Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-235 near Matador, TX — 2011-01-26

Final reportCEN11LA161
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Date
2011-01-26
Location
Matador, TX, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-235
Registration
N9478W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that while the airplane was climbing through approximately 700 feet above the ground the engine lost all power. He decided to land the airplane in a small clearing, but was unable to reach the area and landed in mesquite brush. During the landing, the left wing sustained substantial damage. A postaccident examination of the airplane did not discover any abnormalities that would have contributed to the loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after engine power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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